Emotional Cold: everything You Need to Know

When you hear the term ’emotional cold, ‘ it might leave you in a state of confusion. Is it just a physical symptom caused by intense emotions ? Or is there more to it ? This article will delve into everything you need to know about this phenomenon, its symbolism, and how it manifests itself in our lives.

Understanding Emotional Cold: between Myth and Reality

What is an Emotional Cold ?

An emotional cold is not officially recognized in DSM5; however, it’s often used to describe a period of emotional slump or downturn where one’s system slows down and decompensates. It can also be termed as a “blue spell, ” “low moment, ” “downtime, ” or “blank spot. ” Therapists often use this term to portray a state of despair, dread, or social fear followed by a gradual reassurance of emotional well-being.

The Reality Behind the Term

Despite its absence in official diagnostic manuals, the term “emotional cold” has been gaining traction to describe temporary periods of mild mental distress that can cause symptoms similar to a physical cold. These include tiredness, feelings of overwhelm, confusion and disorder.

Let’s move on to understand how our body uses an actual cold as an expression for our repressed emotions.

The Symbolism of Cold: when Body Expresses Emotions

Making Sense of Somatic Responses

The body often communicates through somatic responses – physical symptoms that may have their roots in our emotional state. For instance, one might experience physical fatigue during times of depression or anxiety.

Emotional Cold vs Physical Cold

A common rhino-pharyngitis, also known as the common cold, is an upper respiratory infection mainly caused by viruses. Symptoms include a blocked nose, nasal discharge, sore throat, moderate coughing, unusual tiredness and a feeling of blocked ears. Unlike emotional colds, physical colds are not tied to one’s emotional state.

How do we differentiate between an actual cold and one that’s emotionally triggered ? Let’s find out.

When to Consult ? Identifying the Signs of an Emotionally Originated Cold

Distinguishing Emotional from Physical Symptoms

A crucial aspect of understanding emotional colds is learning how to differentiate them from physical symptoms. While both may share similar traits such as fatigue and discomfort, emotional cold primarily manifests in feelings of despair and being overwhelmed.

Recognizing the Signs

It’s essential to pay attention to changes in your mood or behavior following periods of extreme stress or emotional turmoil. If you’re feeling unusually low – much like experiencing a “blue spell” or “blank spot” – it could be a sign of an emotional cold.

So when we can identify such symptoms, what can be done next ? Let’s dive into strategies for managing stress and emotions to prevent these situations.

Managing Stress and Emotions to Prevent Emotional Colds

Tackling Overwhelming Emotions

The first step towards preventing an emotional cold is tackling any overwhelming emotions head-on. Acknowledging your feelings and seeking help if needed can go a long way in managing your mental wellbeing.

Coping with Stress

Coping with stress effectively is another key strategy. This could involve various techniques such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing mindfulness, and ensuring a work-life balance.

Now that we have covered preventive measures, let’s explore practical strategies to alleviate emotional cold symptoms.

Relief Strategies: practical Tips Against Emotional Colds

Implementing Self-Care

The practice of self-care can be extremely beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of an emotional cold. This could include maintaining regular sleep patterns, adopting a balanced diet, and incorporating physical activities into your routine.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re experiencing persistent signs of an emotional cold and self-care methods aren’t having the desired effect, it might be time to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors are trained to help you navigate through your emotions and find effective coping strategies.

To sum things up,

An emotional cold is a metaphorical way of describing periods of mental distress that manifest in physical-like symptoms. It involves recognizing these signs, understanding their symbolic representation, knowing when to seek help, managing stress effectively and implementing self-care practices for relief. Although it may not be officially recognized as a disorder, its impact on the individuals experiencing it is no less real or significant.